Study shows 47 percent of babies have flat spots on their heads caused by lying on their backs too much

Premature babies are more likely to develop the condition. (Photo from Takaisono's photostream via Flickr)

While the infant mortality rate has decreased by 50 percent, a new study suggests 47 percent of babies have developed a condition from lying on their back too much.

NBC News reports positional plagiocephaly is a condition where the infant's head is flattened or misshapen due to spending too much time in the back position during the first few months of its life when the skull bones are soft.

While reversible if treated early, flat spots can cause development delays or the infant's facial features to change.

The study, which was performed by a team of researchers at Mount Royal University in Calgary, took a sample of 440 healthy infants between the age of seven to 12 weeks, according to USA Today.

Overall, 205 of the babies had flat spots on the back or one side of their head, which is caused by pressure. In the study, 78 percent of the infants were considered to have a mild form, 19 percent showed a moderate condition and 3 percent displayed a severe condition.

The American Academy of Neurological Surgeons reports the condition is prevented by changing the direction an infant faces or their location in the crib while they're lying on their back. In addition, parents should let babies play on their stomachs under supervision when they're awake.

CBS News reports premature babies are more at risk since their skull bones are extra soft and they are less likely to move their heads.